Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants: By the numbers, what they're saying

The poll

Which rookie made the biggest contribution to the Bucs' season-opening victory over the Panthers?

Lavonte David, LB, 27 percent

Mark Barron, S, 22 percent

Inside the numbers

6-12 Bucs' record against the Giants, including a playoff loss in January 2008

3-0 Giants QB Eli Manning's record against the Bucs, including the playoff game

98.6 Manning's rating — 50-of-82 for 500 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions — against the Bucs.

2 Touchdowns caught by Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson in his only game against the Giants, Nov. 8, 2009, while with San Diego.

What they're saying

Now the defending Super Bowl champs get a crack at the Bucs with a rushing attack that desperately needs a reason to feel good about itself after a horrible performance against the Cowboys in their opener. After gaining just 82 yards on the ground against Dallas, the Giants now face a Bucs defense that looked like a brick wall.

Ralph Vacciano New York Daily News

The Bucs looked decent in Greg Schiano's debut as head coach. But after getting off to an early 10-0 start, I would have liked to see them put away the game a little more easily. Josh Freeman completed 16 passes but for only 138 yards … not very explosive.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

The picks

Greg Schiano has infused his Bucs with one word on defense: swarm. That's what they did against Carolina in the Game 1 stunner. And I think they can do it again — but only if Aqib Talib and Eric Wright cover the way they covered the Panthers receivers last week. Bucs, 16-13

Peter King Sports Illustrated

The Giants should be well rested after losing their opener on Sept. 5. That's a long time to stew. Tom Coughlin is good at getting his team to bounce back. They do so in a big way here against a Tampa Bay team that impressed in its opener — especially on defense. Giants, 27-10

Pete Prisco CBSSports.com

Won't be easy for the Giants to run on the Bucs, who shut down the Panthers' ground attack in Week 1. The Giants are rested and ready, though, and should bounce back from the opening loss to the Cowboys. Giants, 24-20

Sam Farmer Los Angeles Times

Doesn't it seem like the Giants and Cowboys opened the season about a month ago? Playing a week ago Wednesday gives NYG a huge edge in rest and prep time. Giants, 24-20

Greg Cote Miami Herald

Bucs at Giants

1 p.m., MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5 FM

Line/over-under: Giants by 7; 44

Bucs 16, Panthers 10

1-0

1 p.m. today, Ch. 13

1 p.m. Sept. 23, Ch. 13

4:25 p.m. Sept. 30, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Oct. 14, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Oct. 21, Ch. 13 *

8:20 p.m. Oct. 25, NFL

4 p.m. Nov. 4, Ch. 13

1 p.m. Nov. 11, Ch. 10 *

1 p.m. Nov. 18, Ch. 13

1 p.m. Nov. 25, Ch. 13 *

4 p.m. Dec. 2, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Dec. 9, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Dec. 16, NFL *

1 p.m. Dec. 23, Ch. 13 *

1 p.m. Dec. 30, Ch. 13